Ski rack



F. R. MADDEN Oct. 18, 1960 SKI RACK 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Nov. 6, 1958 J J L-J j INVENTOR Francis R. Madden BY PM C.

ATTORNEY F. R. MADDEN Oct. 18, 1960 SKI RACK 4 SheetsSheet 2 Filed Nov. 6, 1958 64 INVENTOR Franc/'5 R. Madden BY FM 63 M ATTORNEY F. R. MADDEN Oct. 18, 1960 SKI RACK 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Nov. 6, 1958 2% MEEEWEE INVENTOR Franc/2; 5. M0 daen ATTORNEY F. R. MADDEN Oct. 18, 1960 SKI RACK 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Nov. 6, 1958 INVENTOR Francis R. Madden BY )?M ATTORNEY Uniwd States Patent SKI RACK Francis R; Madden, 3414'Garhett'St, McKeesport, Pa.

Filed. Nov. 6,.1958,Ser. No. 772,241 14 Claims. (Cl. 280-1137) This invention relates to racks for supporting skis and more particularly to a completely adjustable ski rack including means for maintaining the camber of skis supported on the rack. This application is a continuationi'n-part of my application Serial Number 695,370, filed November 8, L957, now abandoned.

It is an object of this invention to provide a ski rack which is adapted to support a wide variety of sizes of skis and which includes ski clamping brackets whose positions along the rack are completely adjustable lengthwise of the rack in accordance with the requirements of different skis.

It is another object of this invention to provide a ski rack including clamping brackets which securely lock the skisv to the rack in such manner as to prevent the skis from bending or warping.

It is still another object of this invention to provide a ski .rack, including an improved clamp assembly for maintaining proper camber of the skis.

Further objects of this invent-ion are to provide a ski rack which is economical to manufacture, which is easily and precisely adjusted to pro-per clamping position and which is sturdy in construction and reliable in operation.

In achievement of these objectives, there is provided in accordance with an embodiment of this invention a ski rack, including a channel-shaped base member along which a pair of oppositely disposed end clamping brackets for the skis and a center clamping bracket for the skis may be slidably moved and securely locked in position at the precise points where clamping is required. The end clamping brackets are so constructed as to permit the skis to fall in line naturally against the bracket portions of the clamping bracket assemblies.

A further feature of the construction is the provision of a center clamping post or bracket including a pair of laterally adjustable separator elements which are movable laterally outwardly to engage the running surfaces of the skis at the camber point thereof to maintain a proper camber on the skis and a pair of laterally adjustable clamping elements which are movable laterally inwardly to engage the outer surface of the skis and hold them in firm engagement with the separator elements of the center clamping post.

Further objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawing in which:

Fig. l is a top plan view of the ski rack assembly in accordance with the invention;

Fig. 2 is a top plan view of the ski rack assembly with the skis positioned thereon;

Fig. '3 is a view in section along line 3-3 of Fig. 2;

Fig- 4 is a side elevation view of the end clamping bracket of Fig. 3

Fig. 5 is a perspective. view, partially broken away, showing the. two end clamping bracket members and the center clamping bracket member in position on the longitudinal channel-like base member of the ski rack assembly; a

Fig. 6 is an end view of the center clamping bracket;

Fig. 7 is a side elevation view, partially broken away, of the center clamping bracket;

Fig. 8 is a view of a modified center clamping bracket including a hinged support member for the ski separatormembers; 7

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a modified end clamp assembly.

Fig. 10 is a view in perspective of a modified end. clamping bracket;

Fig. 11 is a View in perspective of a still further modified type of end clamping bracket;

Fig. 12 is an exploded view showing details of the. clamping assembly of Fig. 11; and

Fig. 13 is a perspective view of another modified center clamping bracket assembly.

Referring now to the drawings, the ski rack assembly of the invention is generally indicated at 10 and includes a base member 12 of generally channel shape. As best seen in Fig. 3, the main body of base member 12 is formed by a bottom wall 14, a pair of oppositely disposed side walls lfi and 18 and a pair of walls 2% and 22 which. extend laterally inwardly from the upper ends of main side walls 16 and 18 with respect to the views shown in the drawings. Channel member 12 also includes oppositely disposed flanges 28 and 30 which extend in a plane parallel to lateral walls 20 and 22 of the channel member, flanges 28 and 30 being connected to lateral walls 20 and 22 by laterally spaced upper side wall portions 24 and 26. The lateral spacing between upper side wall portions 24 and 26 provides a longitudinal opening along the channel member along which the clamping brackets to be hereinafter described may be slidably moved to provide a precise adjustment of the position of the brackets.

The ski rack assembly also includes two end clamping brackets. generally indicated at 32 and 34, respectively, which are similar to each other and which are positioned adjacent opposite ends of channel member 12 for securing the front or tip ends of the skis and the back or tail ends of the skis to the rack, respectively. The ski rack assembly also includes a center clamping bracket generally indicated at 36 which is difierent in construction from end clamping brackets 32 and 34 and which serves to maintain the proper camber of the skis at the camber point of the skis. The ski rack assembly including the channellike base member and the clamping brackets is made of a suitable metal such as aluminum.

The end clamping bracket 32 will be described as typical of both of the end clamping brackets 32 and 34,. as both of these brackets are alike. As will best be seen in the view of Figs. 3 and 4, and clamping bracket assembly 32 includes a vertically positioned threaded bolt member 38 which extends downwardly through the channel opening defined between upper side wall portions 24 and 26 of channel 12. For convenience in description, the terms vertical and horizontal or upper and lower will be used to describe the position of certain elements of the apparatus, it being understood that these terms are with reference to the views shown in the drawings. A head member 40 is in threaded engagement with v the lower end of bolt 38, the upper surface of head 49 abutting against the under surface of lateral walls 20 and 22 of channel 12. In order to retain bolt 38 centrally positioned within the channel, a clip member 42 of generally U-shape is provided and is adapted to fit between the inside surface of wall portions 24 and 26 of channel 12, the clip including an opening through which bolt 38 may pass and a pair of laterally extending flange portions which rest on the upper surface of the flange portions 28 and 30 of channel 12. End clamping bracket assembly 32 includes a bracket member generally indicated at 44 of generally U-shape including a leg 46 which extends perpendicularly to flange portions 28 and 30 of base member 12, and lower and upper horizontal legs 48 and 50, respectively, which extend lengthwise of the ski rack. Legs 48 and 50 of bracket 44 include apertures through which bolt member 38 extends.

The end clamp assembly also includes a pair of upper and lower clamping elements 52 and 54, respectively, which are of similar construction to each other. Each of the clamping elements 52 and 54 is provided with a dished recess on one surface thereof, the recess of each of the clamping elements 52 and 54 including a flat center portion such as indicated at 56 and a pair of arcuate curved side wall portions such as those indicated at 57. The lower clamping member 54 includes a flat underneath surface which rests on the lower leg 48 of clamping element 44. A nut 58 engages the threads on bolt member 38 and is tightened down into engagement with the upper flat surface portion 56 of lower clamping element 54 to hold bracket 44 and clamping element 54 tightly engaged with respect to channel member 12 in a desired adjusted position along channel 12.

End clamp assembly 32 also includes a spiral spring member 60 which surrounds bolt 38 adjacent the upper end thereof and is seated on the upper surface of leg 50 of bracket 44, the upper end of spring 60 hearing against the flat center portion 56 of the recessed surface of clamping element 52. A wing nut 62 is screwed down on bolt 38 into engagement with the flat upper surface of upper clamping element 52 when the skis are in position as shown in Fig. 3.

basema- Sleeve member 82 serves as a support for a pair of laterally movable separator members 84 and 86 whose function is to spread the facing running surfaces of the skis at the camber point of the skis. Separator members 84 and 86 are slidably movable in a lateral direction along a bolt 88 which extends through an aperture in the central portion of sleeve 82. The portion of sleeve 82 receiving bolt member 88 is spaced sufficiently from the adjacent surface of vertical leg 72 to permit a nut member 90 (Fig. 7) to be positioned on the inner end of bolt 88. Separator members 84 and 86 are each provided with slots 92 and 94, respectively, which permit the separator members to move slidably along their connection to bolt 88 until the opposite edges 96 and 98 of the respective separator members 84 and 86 are spaced apart a distance conforming to the natural camber of the skis supported by the rack. When this spacing has been obtained, bolt 88 is then tightened to hold separator members 84 and 86 in their adjusted position.

As will be explained more fully in describing the manner of using the ski rack, the slidably removable mounting of sleeve member 82 on which the laterally movable separator members 84 and 86 are mounted is an important feature of the ski rack construciton since it permits sleeve 82 to be taken off or pulled up on vertical leg 72 in connection with the adjustment required for proper camber. The slidably removable mounting of sleeve 82 also permits the sleeve to be taken off com! pletely or pulled up on leg 72 when the skis are being removed or put back on the rack, thereby eliminating friction between the separator members 84 and 86 and the skis.

Cooperating with the separator members 84 and 86 just described to hold the skis firmly in position with their camber properly adjusted are a pair of slidably movable clamping elements generally indicated at 100 and 102, carried by center clamp assembly 36. Clamp members 100 and 102 are of generally L-shape and When skis S and 8 are in position on the rack as shown in the view of Fig. 3, the lower and upper out side edges of the skis bear against the curved surfaces 57 of the upper and lower clamping elements 52 and 54, curved surfaces 57 guiding the running surfaces of the skis into firm contact with the edges of legs 46, 48 and 50 of bracket 44 when wing nut 62 is tightened.

The center clamp assembly generally indicated at 36 is best seen in the views of Figs. 5, 6 and 7. The center clamp assembly includes a vertically extending threaded bolt member 64 which extends downwardly into the channel member 12 and has fastened on the lower end thereof a square nut-like member 66 which bears against the inner surface of lateral walls 20 and 22 of channel 12. A clip member 68 similar to the clip member 42 described in connection with end clamp assembly 32 is positioned between the wall portions 24 and 26 which define the channel opening in such manner as to centrally locate bolt member 64 in the channel opening.

A generally U-shaped bracket member generally indicated at 70 rests on the upper surface of clip member 68 and includes a vertical leg member 72 which extends perpendicularly to base member 12 and lower and upper horizontal leg members 74 and 76 which extend lengthwise of base member 12. Each of the legs 74 and 76 is provided with an aperture through which bolt 64 extends. Vertical leg 72 of bracket member 70 includes a pair of lateral edge portions 78 and 80, respectively, which extend on either side of top horizontal leg 76 and which serve as guide members for receiving a slidable channel-like sleeve member 82 having channel grooves which engage edges 78 and 80 of leg 72. A nut 75 on bolt 64 is tightened against leg 74 of bracket 70 to hold center clamp 36 in a given adjusted position.

include a leg portion 104 and 106, respectively, lying in a horizontal plane and a leg portion 108 and 110, respectively, extending downwardly in a vertical plane at an angle of approximately 60 degrees from the underneath surface of the respective legs 104 and 106. In the illustrated embodiment, clamp element 102 has its leg 106 in overlying relation to the corresponding leg 104 of clamp element 100. The legs 104 and 106 of the respective clamp elements and 102 are provided with slots which permit the clamp elements to be slidably moved with respect to bolt 64. Clamp elements 100 and 102 are supported for movement by a washer 112 having upturned lips which guide members 100 and 102 for movement in a straight line along bolt 64. Washer 112 rests on the upper surface of leg 76 of bracket 70. A flat washer 114 rests on the upper surface of the overlapped clamp element 102 and a wing nut 116 is movable in threaded engagement with the upper end of bolt 64- to tighten the slidably movable clamp elements 100 and 102 in a desired adjusted position. The adjusted position at which clamp element 100 and 102 are locked is one in which the inclined leg portions 108 and of the respective clamp elements engage the outer surface of the skis to hold the skis firmly against the edges 96 and 98 of separator members 84 and 86, the separator members being at an adjusted position which gives the correct camber to the skis.

In using the ski rack of the invention, the two end clamping brackets 32 and 34 are moved along channelshaped base member 12 until they are located at the position Where the running surfaces of the skis come together at the front or tip ends of the skis and the back or tailing ends of the skis, respectively. The end clamping brackets are loosened for movement by loosening nut 58, the nut being tightened again when the end clamping brackets are in their properly adjusted position. The lower edges of the skis rest on the recessed Surface of lower clamping element 54 of each of the opposite and clamping brackets. The facing runningsurfaces of the two skis bear against the edges 46, 48, and 50- of bracket member 44 of each end clamp assembly, the skis being guided into contact with the bracket member by the concave contour of the upper and lower clamping elements 52 and 54 of each end clamp assembly. Wing nut 62 of each of the end clamping brackets is turned to tighten the upper clamping element 52 of each end clamp assembly into engagement with the upper edges of the two skis, the clamping action urging the running surfaces of the skis into engagement with the edges of the bracket 44 of each end clamp assembly.

The position of center clamping assembly 36 may be adjusted along channel 12 if necessary by loosening nut 75, sliding clamping assembly 36 along the channel member to the desired position, and tightening nut 75 again. Center clamping bracket 36 should be located at a position corresponding to the camber point of the skis. With the skis clamped in end brackets 32; and 34, separator members 8 4 and 86 are loosened and the skis are allowed to press the separator members inwardly to the natural camber of the skis. Bolt 88 is then tightened enough to temporarily hold the separator members 84 and 86 in the position to which they have been pushed by the skis. The skis are then separated by manually flexing them laterally outwardly at the camber point to permit sleeve 82 to be taken off or pulled up on leg 72 to give access to nut 90 so that the separator members 84 and 86 can be. tightened permanently. After permanently tightening separator members 84 and 86, sleeve 82 is then pushed downwardly on leg 72. The laterally movable upper clamping elements 106 and 102 carried by center post 36 are then adjusted until the skis are held firmly by the inclined clamping legs 108 and 110 against the edges 96 and 98 of separator members 84 and 86. When this condition has been obtained, wing nut 116 is then tightened to hold the clamping elements 100 and 102 tightly in position to thereby lock the skis at their proper camber. When the rack is not in use, clamping elements 100 and 162 are preferably swung into a position in which they are parallel to the longitudinal axis of channel 12.

There is shown in Fig. 8 a modified center clamp assembly generally indicated at 120'. Clamp assembly 120 includes a bracket member generally indicated at 122 formed of flat iron or steel strip bent into a generally U-shape including a pair of inclined vertical legs 12 and 126 connected together by a top portion 128. The lower ends of legs 124 and 126 terminate in flat horizontal base portions 128- and 130, respectively, which are secured by bolts 132 and clip members 134 to channel 12 with the use of nut-like members such as the members 66 of the embodiment of Figs. 6 and 7.

An important feature of the modified construction of Fig. 8 is the use of a hinged support generally indicated at 136 for the laterally slidable separator members 138 and 140. Hinged support 136 includes a short hinge leaf 142 which is rigidly secured, as by a nut 1'43, bolt 144, and channel-shaped washer 145 apertured to receive bolt 144, or by any other suitable means, to the upper surface of top portion 128 of bracket member 122. A longer hinge leaf 1 46 is hingedly connected to hinge leaf 142 and supports separator members 138 and 140. Separator members 138 and 146' are flat plates having lateral slots 148 which permit the plates to be slidably adjusted in a lateral direction on bolt 159 carried by hinge leaf 146 to correspond to the camber of the skis mounted on the ski rack. A butterfly nut 153 carried by bolt 150 is tightened when the separator plates 138 and 146 are at their proper adjustment. Hinge plate 146 is wider for most of its height than the channel defined between wall portions 24 and 26 of channel 12. However, at its lower end, hinge leaf 146 terminates in a. portion 155 of reduced width which 6 is received between wall portions 24' and 26 ofchanne11 2.

Center clamp assembly 12%) also includes a. pair of laterally adjustable clamping elements 152 and 154 which are generally similar to the clamping elements and- 102 shown in Figs. 57, inclusive, and described in connection with those figures. Clamping elements 152 and 154 rest upon a channel-shaped washer 156 'apertured to receive bolt 144, washer 156 in turn resting on washer 145.

In the view shown in Fig. 8, clamping elements 152 and 154 are shown parallel to the longitudinal axis of channel support 12. When the clamping elements 152 and 154 are in clamping position, they are positioned perpendicular to the axis of channel member 12. In their clamping position, clamp elements 152 and 154 are tightened to proper lateral adjustment by butterfly nut 1 53- on bolt 144 and are maintained in correct alignment by the edges of channel-shaped washer member 156.

In using the center clamping assembly of Fig. 8 to adjust the camber of the skis, the separator plates 138 and are loosened, and with hinge leaf 146 in the full line position shown in Fig. 8, the skis are permitted to move separator members 138 and 140 inwardly to'conform to the proper camber of the skis. Butterfly nut 153 is then tightened-to secure plates 138 and 140 at the proper lateral adjustment corresponding to the camber of the skis.

Whenremoving the skis from the rack, or when placing the skis on the rack, separator plates 138 and 140 are swung upwardly out of the way by swinging hinge leaf 146 upwardly to the dotted line position shown in Fig. 8. This permits the skis to be removed from or positioned on the ski rack without friction between the separators and the skis.

There is shown in Fig. 9 a modified end clamping bracket assembly generally indicated at 160 including a bracket member generally indicated at 162 formed of flat iron or steel strip-bent into a generally U-shape including a pair of inclined vertical legs 164 and 166 connected together by a top portion 167. The lower ends of legs 164 and 166 terminate in flat horizontal base portions 168 and 170, respectively, which are secured by bolts 172 to an elongated clip member 174 which extends between the spaced ends of base portions 168 and of bracket member 162. Clip member 174 is of generally U-shape and is received in the channel defined by the spaced wall portions 24' and 26' of channel 12'. Clip member 174 includes openings through which bolts 172 extend and also includes a pair of laterally extending flange portions which rest on the upper surface of flange portions 28 and 30' of channel 12'. The lower ends of bolts 172 are engaged by nut-like members such as those shown at 66 in Figs. 6 and 7, the nut-like members engaging the under surfaces of lateral walls 20' and 22' of channel member 12.

The modified end clamping assembly 160 also includes a pair of upper and lower clamping elements 176 and 178 which aresimilar to the clamping elements 52 and 54 of the embodiment of Figs. 1-7. Upper clamping element 176 is secured to the top portion 167 of U-shaped bracket 162 by a bolt 182. Lower clamping element 178 is located beneath upper clamping element 176 substantially midway between legs 164 and 166 of bracket 162. Lower clamping element 178 is held in place by a bolt 180 which extends downwardly through an aperture in clip member 174, with a nut-like member such as member 66 shown in Fig. 6 engaging the lower end' of bolt 180. A butterfly not 184 in screw-threaded engagement with bolt 186 may be tightened to tighten clamping element 176 into engagement with the upper edges of the skis to secure the skis between the clamping elements 176 and 178 in a manner similar to that shown in the embodiment of Fig. 3.

When the skis are in position on the modified end clamping bracket 160, the curved surfaces of the clamping elements 176 and 178 guide the running surfaces of the skis into firm contact with the lateral edges of legs 164'and 166 and of top portion 167 of the U-shaped bracket 162. 1

There is shown in Fig. 10 a modified end clamp assembly generally indicated at 200 which is particularly suited for use when the skis are to be stored over a long period. End clamp assembly 200 is mounted on a channel-like base member generally indicated at 202. Base member 202 includes a bottom portion 204, vertical side walls 206 and 208, laterally inwardly extending top walls 210 and 212, and laterally spaced vertical web portions 214 and 216 which extend upwardly from the laterally inner boundaries of top wall portions 210 and 212.

End clamp assembly 200 is slidably movable to a desired adjusted position along the top edges of vertical web portions 214 and 216. Assembly 200 includes a base portion 218 which spans the distance between the outer edges of vertical web portions 214 and 216, base portion 218 including on either lateral side thereof downturned lip portions such as that indicated at 220 which engage the outer surfaces of the respective vertical web portions 214 and 216.

Extending upwardly from one end of the base portion 218 of end clamp assembly 200 is an inclined vertical leg 222 which is of smaller lateral width than the distance between the facing vertical webs 214 and 216, the distance between each lateral edge of inclined leg 222 and the adjacent vertical web portion 214 or 216 which it faces being substantially equal to the thickness of one ski. The vertical inclined leg 222 terminates at its upper end in a horizontal lateral top portion 224 which is tapped to receive a threaded bolt member 226 having rigidly attached at its upper end an operating lever 228. Loosely mounted on bolt 226 is a top clamping element generally indicated at 230 which includes a fiat horizontal center portion 232 and two downwardly inclined portions 234 and 236 on either side of center portion 232.

A bottom clamping element generally indicated at 238 and including a flat horizontal center portion 240 and two upwardly inclined outer portions 242 and 244 respectively, is rigidly secured by a bolt 246 to the upper surface of base portion 218 of clamping assembly 200. Bolt 246 engages a suitable lock nut which is positioned beneath the lateral top walls 210 and 212 of base member 202.

The skis are supported on end clamp assembly 200 in a manner generally similar to that illustrated in connection with the embodiment shown in Fig. 3 with one lateral edge of each ski resting on the lower clamping bracket 238. The facing running surfaces of the two opposite skis bear against the inclined lateral edges of inclined leg member 222 and the top edges of the skis are clampingly engaged by upper clamping member 230. To clamp the skis into position on the end clamping bracket, bolt 226 is tightened by rotating lever 228 to cause the loosely mounted top clamping member 230 to be tightened down against the upper edges of the skis to thereby securely hold the skis clamped between the upper and lower clamping members 230 and 238 respectively. When the ski rack is not in use, the upper clamping member 230 and the bottom clamping element 238 are positioned parallel to the longitudinal axis of the base member 202.

The modified end clamping assembly generally indicated at 250 in Fig. 11 is particularly suited for everyday or weekend use and is mounted upon a base member 202' similar to the base member 202 of Fig. 10. End clamping assembly 250 is similar to the end clamping assembly 200 except with respect to the details of the top clamping member generally indicated at 252 and the parts attached thereto which will now be described. Top clamping member 252 includes a flat horizontal portion 254 and two downwardly inclined portions 256 and 258 on either side thereof. A ring 260 has a threaded stud portion 262 adapted to pass through an aperture 264 in the center portion 254 of the top clamping member. Threaded stud portion 262 engages the threaded end of short rod member 266, which extends through an aperture in top horizontal arm portion 224' of inclined vertical leg 222'. A circular flange member 268 is integral with the lower end of rod 266 and a spring 270 surrounds rod 266 below horizontal arm 224'. One end of spring 270 bears against the under surface of horizontal arm 224' while the opposite end of spring 270 bears against the upper surface of circular flange 268. The force of spring 270 on flange 268 of rod 266 urges the rod in the direction of base member 202' and causes top clamping member 252 to bear tightly against the upper edges of the skis when they are on the rack.

When the ski rack is not in use, top clamping member 252 is maintained in a position in which it is parallel to the longitudinal axis of base member 202'. To engage top clamping member 252 with the skis when they are on the rack, ring 260 is pulled upwardly and given a -degree turn to move the top clamping member 252 from its position parallel to the longitudinal axis of the base member to a position in which it is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the base member, as shown in Fig. 11. The force of spring 270 will then urge top clamping member 252 down into tight clamping engagement with the upper edges of the skis to securely hold the skis on the rack. To remove the skis from the rack, ring 260 is pulled upwardly and turned through 90 degrees from the position shown in Fig. 11 to a position in which top clamp 252 is again parallel to the longitudinal axis of base member 202'.

There is shown in Fig. 13 a modified center clamping assembly generally indicated at 300 in which the laterally movable separator members and the laterally movable clamping elements which cooperate with the separator members are mounted on a common support pivotally movable into a horizontal plane to facilitate removal or positioning of the skis on the rack.

Referring now to Fig. 13, the center clamping assembly 300 is shown mounted on a base generally indicated at 310 including a base portion 312, inclined vertical side walls 314 and 316, laterally inwardly extending top wall portions 318 and 320 and vertical web portions 322 and 324 extending upwardly from the lateral top wall portions 318 and 320 and laterally spaced from each other to define a channel therebetween. A support member generally indicated at 326 is mounted upon web portions 322 and 324 of base member 310 and is slidably adjustable thereon. Support member 326 includes a base portion 328 which spans the distance between the vertical web portions 322 and 324 of the base member. Base portion 328 of support member 326 has downwardly turned lips such as that indicated at 330 which abut opposite outer faces of the respective vertical web portions 322 and 324. An inclined vertical leg member 332 extends upwardly from one end of the base portion 328 of member 326, the upper or outer end of inclined leg 332 being provided with a pair of downturned lip portions or flanges such as that indicated at 334 which support a pivotal connection 338 for an arm member generally indicated at 336. Arm member 336 is movable about the pivotal connection 338 from the vertical position Shown in full line in Fig. 13 to the horizontal position shown in dotted outline in Fig. 13.

Pivotally movable arm 336carries on one side of its pivotal connection a pair of laterally movable separator members 340 and 342, respectively, which are secured to arm 336 by a screw 344. Arm 336 is tapped to receive screw 344. The laterally adjustable separator members 340 and 342 are slotted to permit a lateral adjustment as described in connection with the previous embodiments of the invention.

Arm 336 supports on the opposite side of its pivotal connection 338 a pair of laterally slidable clamp members 346 and 348, respectively, which are provided with slots to permit their slidable lateral adjustment with respect to arm 336. A butterfly screw 350 can be tightened to hold clamp members 346 and 348 in any desired adjusted position. Ann 336 is tapped to receive screw 350'. Clamping members 346 and 348 are of L-shaped construction and each includes a first elongated arm in which the slot of the respective clamping member lies and a second arm of shorter length which depends downwardly from the slotted arm as shown in full line in Fig. 13 when the center clamping assembly is in use. The downwardly depending short arm of each respective clamping member 346 and 348 includes a laterally inwardly extending clamping edge such as that shown at 351 which engages the outer surface of one of the respective skis.

When the ski rack is in use, the pivotally movable arm 336 is in the vertical position shown in full line in Fig. 13. In this position the clamping members 346 and 348 extend laterally outwardly with the slots in the respective arms extending in a horizontal plane perpendicular to the then vertical pivoted arm 336.

When skis are being positioned on or removed from the rack, the pivotally supported arm 336 is moved to the horizontal dotted outline position shown in Fig. 13. This permits the skis to be removed from or positioned on the ski rack without friction between the separators and the skis.

In using the center clamping assembly of Fig. 13 to adjust the camber of the skis, the separator members 340 and 342 are loosened, and with pivotally movable arm 336 in the full line position shown in Fig. 13, the skis are permitted to move the separator members 340 and 342 inwardly to conform to the propercamber of the skis. Screw 344 is then tightened to secure separator members at the proper lateral adjustment corresponding to the camber of the skis. The lateral clamping members 346 and 348 are then engaged with the outer faces of the skis.

When the ski rack is not in use, lateral clamping members 346 and 348 may be shifted about the butterfly screw 350 so that the slotted arm portion of each respective clamping member 346 or 348 lies parallel to the longitudinal axis of the base member, as shown in the dotted outline position. This permits the clamping members to occupy less space than if they were left in the same position relative to the pivoted arm 336 as that shown in Fig. 13.

It can be seen from the foregoing that there are provided in accordance with the various embodiments of this invention ski racks which have great utility since they permit the end and center clamping brackets to be positioned precisely at the proper points along the base of the rack due to the provision of the channel support on which the clamping brackets are slidably movable. The end brackets are so constructed as to provide a firm support for the skis and the various center clamping brackets provide separator devices which may be easily adjusted to the camber of any skis which may be mounted on the rack, together with means for clamping the skis at their proper camber. The end and center clamping brackets cooperate to prevent bending or warping of the skis. Furthermore, the slidably removable sleeve memher which supports the separator members shown in the embodiment of Figs. -7 and the hingedly and pivotally mounted supports for the separator members shown in the embodiments of Figs. 8 and 13 facilitate the positioning or removal of the skis from the rack with a minimum of frictional engagement with the separator members.

The ski rack is very economical to make and when constructed of a metal such as aluminum is of light weight strong and durable and without bulk.

While there have been shown particular embodiments of the invention, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the invention and, there fore, it is aimed to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

What I claim as my invention is:

l. A ski rack for supporting a pair of skis with their running surfaces in facing relation to each other, com

prising a base member, clamping means mounted on said base member for clamping the skis adjacent the tip and tail ends thereof, separator members carried by and adjustable laterally of the longitudinal axis of said base member, said separator members being engageable with the skis adjacent the camber point of the skis to separate the skis in accordance with their proper camber, and laterally adjustable clamping elements carried by said base member adjacent said separator members and engageable with the skis to clamp the skis against said separator members.

2. A ski rack for supporting a pair of skis with their running surfaces in facing relation to each other, comprising a base member, a pair of end clamping brackets mounted in longitudinally spaced relation to each other on said base member and engageable with the skis adjacent opposite ends thereof to clamp the skis to said base member, separator members carried by and adjustable laterally of the longitudinal axis of said base member, said separator members being engageable with the skis carried by said rack adjacent the camber point of the skis to separate the skis in accordance with their proper camber, and laterally adjustable clamping elements carried by said base member adjacent said separator members and engageable with the skis to clamp the skis against said separator members.

3. A ski rack for supporting a pair of skis with their running surfaces in facing relation to each other, comprising a base member, a pair of end clamping brackets mounted in longitudinally spaced relation to each other on said base member and engageable with the skis adjacent opposite opposite ends thereof to clamp the skis to said base member, a center clamping bracket mounted Y on said base member, separator members carried by said center clamping bracket and adjustable laterally of the longitudinal axis of said base member, said separator members being engageable with the skis carried by said rack adjacent the camber point to the skis to separate the skis in accordance with their proper camber, and laterally adjustable clamping elements carried by said center clamping bracket and engageable with the skis to clamp the skis against said separator members.

4. A ski rack for supporting a pair of skis with their running surfaces in facing relation to each other, comprising a base member, a pair of end clamping brackets.

mounted in longitudinally spaced relation to each other on said base member and engageable with the skis adjacent opposite ends thereof to clamp the skis to said base member, a center clamping bracket mounted on said base member, cooperating means carried by said brackets and by said base member to permit adjusting sliding movement of said brackets along said base member, separator members carried by said center clamping bracket and adjustable laterally of the longitudinal axis of said base member, said separator members being engageable with the skis carried by said rack adjacent the camber point of the skis to separate the skis in accordance with their proper camber, and laterally adjustable clamping elements carried by said center clamping bracket and engageable with the skis to clamp the skis against said separator members.

5. A ski rack for supporting a pair of skis with their running surfaces in facing relation to each other, comprising a base member, said base member having a channel opening along its length, a pair of end clamping brackets mounted in longitudinally spaced relation to each other on said base member and being engageable with the skis adjacent opposite ends thereof to clamp the skis to said base member, a center clamping bracket mounted on said base member, said bracket members being slidably movable to adjusted positions along the channel opening of said base member, separator members carried by said center clamping bracket and adjustable laterally of the longitudinal axis of said base member, said separator members being engageable with the skis carried by said rack adjacent the camber point of the skis to separate the skis in accordance with their proper camber, and laterally adjustable clamping elements carried by said center clamping bracket and engageable with the skis to clamp the skis against said separator members.

6. A ski rack for supporting a pair of skis with their running surfaces in facing relation to each other comprising a base member, a pair of end clamping means mounted in longitudinally spaced relation to each other on said base member, each of said end clamping means including a bracket portion extending lengthwise of said base member and adapted to serve as a bearing for the running faces of the skis being supported, each end clamping means including a first clamping element adjacent said base member and a second clamping element in spaced relation to said base member, each of said clamping elements being mounted adjacent said bracket portion and engaging one of the opposite edges of skis bearing against 'said bracket portion, means for moving said clamping elements relative to each other to clampingly engage skis therebetween, a center clamping bracket carried by said base member, separator members carried by said center clamping bracket and adjustable laterally of the longitudinal axis of said base member, said separator members being engageable with the skis carried by said rack adjacent the camber point of the skis to separate the skis in accordance with their proper camber, and laterally adjustable clamping elements carried by said center clamping bracket and engageable with the skis to clamp the skis against said separator members.

7. A ski rack for supporting a pair of skis with their running surfaces in facing relation to each other, comprising a base member, said base member having a channel opening along its length, a pair of end clamping bracket members mounted in longitudinally spaced relation to each other on said base member and engageable with the skis adjacent opposite ends thereof to clamp the skis to said base member, a center clamping bracket member mounted on said base member, independent separator means for each ski carried by said center clamping bracket, independently adjustable laterally movable clamping elements carried by said center clamping bracket and engageable with the respective skis to clamp the skis against said separator means, said bracket members being slidably movable to adjusted positions along the channel opening of said base member, and means to lock said bracket members in their adjusted positions.

8. A ski rack for supporting a pair of skis with their running surfaces in facing relation to each other, comprising a base member, clamping means mounted on said base member for clamping the skis adjacent the tip and tail ends thereof, a center clamping bracket mounted on said base member, a support member mounted for sliding movement on said center clamping bracket in a plane substantially perpendicular to the plane of said base member, separator members carried by said support member and adjustable laterally of the longitudinal axis of said base member, said separator members being engageable with the skis carried by said rack adjacent the camber point of the skis to separate the skis in accord ance with their proper camber.

9. A ski rack for supporting a pair of skis with their running surfaces in facing relation to each other, comprising a base member, clamping means mounted on said base member for clamping the skis adjacent the tip and tail ends thereof, a center clamping bracket mounted on said base member, a support member hingedly mounted on said bracket for movement in a plane substantially perpendicular to the plane of said base member, separator members carried by said support member and adjustable laterally of the longitudinal axis of said base member, said separator members being engageable with the skis carried by said rack adjacent the camber point of the skis to separate the skis in accordance with their proper camber.

10. A ski rack as defined in claim 9 including laterally adjustable clamping elements carried by said center clamping bracket and engageable with the skis to clamp the skis against said separator members.

11. A ski rack for supporting a pair of skis with their running surfaces in facing relation to each other, comprising a base member, clamping means mounted on said base member for clamping the skis adjacent the tip and tail ends thereof, a center bracket mounted on said base member, -a support member pivotally connected intermediate its length to said bracket for pivotal movement in a plane substantially perpendicular to the plane of said member, separator members carried by said support member on one side of the pivotal connection thereof and adjustable laterally of the longitudinal axis of said base member, said separator members being engageable with the skis carried by said rack adjacent the camber point of the skis to separate the skis in accordance with their proper camber, and clamping members carried by said support member on the opposite side of the pivotal connection thereof and engageable with the skis to clamp the skis against said separator members.

12. A ski rack for supporting a pair of skis with their running surfaces in facing relation to each other comprising a base member, a pair of end clamping means mounted in longitudinally spaced relation to each other on said base member, each of said end clamping means including a bracket portion extending lengthwise of said base member and adapted to serve as a bearing for the running faces of the skis being supported, each end clamping means including a first clamping element adjacent said base member and a second clamping element in spaced relation to said base member, each of said clamping elements being mounted adjacent said bracket portion and engaging one of the opposite edges of skis bearing against said bracket portion, means for moving said clamping elements relative to each other to clampingly engage skis therebetween, a center clamping bracket carried by said base member, an independent separator member for each ski carried by said center clamping bracket and each independently laterally adjustable to permit independent camber adjustment for each of the respective skis, and a separate laterally adjustable clamping means corresponding to each separator member and carried by said center clamping bracket, each laterally adjustable clamping means being engageable with one of the skis to clamp the respective ski against its corresponding separator member.

13. A ski rack for supporting a pair of skis with their running surfaces in facing relation to each other, comprising a base member, ski end clamping means mounted on said base member, a center clamping bracket mounted on said base member, independent separator means for each ski carried by said center clamping bracket and engageable with the respective skis adjacent the camber point thereof, each separator means being adjustable laterally of the longitudinal axis of said base member independentlyof the other separator means, and independently adjustable laterally movable clamping means carried by said center clamping bracket and engageable with the respective skis to clamp the skis against said separator means.

14. A ski rack for supporting a pair of skis with their running surfaces in facing relation to each other, comprising a base member, ski end clamping means mounted on said base member, independent separator means for each ski mounted on said base member and engageable with the respective skis adjacent the camber point thereof.

13 14 7 each separator means being adjustable laterally of the 2,128,036 Butler Aug. 23, 1938 longitudinal axis of said base member independently of 2,136,965 Carlstedt Nov. 15, 1938 the other separator means, and independently adjustable 2,434,826 Wubben Jan. 20, 1948 laterally movable clamping means for each ski carried by said base member and engageable with the respective 5 FOBEIGN PATENTS Skis to clamp the skis against said separator means. 177,102 Austrla Dec. 28, '195 3 489,149 Canada Dec. 30, 1952 References Cited in the file of this patent 51,058 Norway J 11119 1932 58,027 Norway May 31, 1937 UNITED STATES PATENTS 10 106,871 Sweden Mar. 16, 1943 1,045,594 Nyberg Nov. 26, 1912 267,417 Switzerland June 16, 1950 

